The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 193

"So why are you still calling me 'Mr. Baird' with every other breath?"

She looked up at him. "What do you mean? Do you want me to call you 'brother'?"

Joseph's face darkened. "No."

Feeling a rebellious streak, Vivica immediately started testing the waters. "Brother? Big brother? Bro?"

"Vivica, shut up."

"You're supposed to call me 'sister'."

"Vivica!"

"Sister."

"Get out."

They bickered like children, and Roderic, standing off to the side, couldn't help but chuckle.

...

The person most thrilled by the news that his favorite uncle was being admitted to the hospital was, of course, Chaim. Melanie had already mostly recovered and could have been discharged days ago, but she and Sheridan were so reluctant to leave their grandson's side that they had practically made the hospital their second home.

When Joseph was settled in his own bed in the room, the two elders brought Chaim over for a visit. The scene felt less like a hospital visit and more like a joyful family reunion during the holidays.

Still, Melanie couldn't shake a lingering worry. "Ever since what happened to Lennon, our family has had such a string of bad luck," she muttered. "Maybe we should go pray or something."

Joseph, who was propped up against his pillows helping Chaim assemble a model fighter jet, didn't mince words. "The source of all the bad luck is right here in our house. Praying to any god won't help."

Melanie was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Joseph shot a pointed glance at Vivica, who was just walking out of the bathroom. The implication was clear.

Vivica had been so preoccupied with the divorce that she hadn't considered it. Now that Melanie brought it up, she thought it was a wonderful idea.

"That sounds great. And next weekend is actually Chaim's third birthday. We can go home and have a small celebration for him."

She had been feeling guilty that her son's third birthday would be spent in a broken home. But life was unpredictable. In a strange twist of fate, her son had lost a father but gained an entire family of loving relatives.

At the mention of a birthday, Sheridan and Melanie exchanged excited glances.

"His third birthday! We have to celebrate it properly," Sheridan declared. "Why don't we host a party at the house? We can invite our friends and relatives and let everyone know that the Baird family has an heir!"

Vivica hesitated. "But, with Lennon's passing…"

She was concerned it was inappropriate to hold a celebration during the family's mourning period.

Sheridan's cheerful expression faltered for a moment as he considered her words. "It won't be a conflict," he decided after a moment. "Even in the afterlife, Lennon would be overjoyed to know he has a child."